I am about to buy my first bike. I will be riding mostly road but with some off-road, mostly flat paths.

I've been searching for a while and have decided on the Diamondback Trace.

The 2013 model has disk brakes and is $450.
The 2012 model does not have disk brakes and can be had for $370 on clearance.


Is it worth it to get the disk brakes or should I go for the older model without them and save $80?


p.s. I am 6'2" and 190 lbs. An online calculator told me that I should get the 22" frame. Does that sound good?


EDIT: I could also just spend $320 on a Diamondback Response and use all the money I'm saving to get some road tires. Would that be worthwhile?

Get the 2012 Trace. The front der was downgraded for 2013, and disc brakes are overkill- unless you're riding in wet/muddy/sloppy conditions regularly IMO.

22" sounds about right. I'm 6' and ride on a 22" frame that is a bit too big for me- it was NOS and 30% off when I bought back in '08

Thanks! Why not the Response Sport 2012 and swap the tires? Does it have a wider rim or something? It's a lot cheaper, and I could have a bike for on-road and trails.

For your stated purpose of mostly road w/ some off road, the Trace is the better choice.

The Response is a pure mtb. You could swap out the tires, which will eat into the perceived savings. It's also geared lower, which is perfectly fine for crawling up a muddy trail, but given time you'll find the gearing lacking for road use.

disc guy here. I was also told some negs about disc. Better stopping all around. Lot of old school guys here.
also ridged fork will allow different width tires. slick for road / knobby for off. 28 mm to 32 road / 38mm to 45mm off/maybe larger.
Plus suspension forks in your price range are suppose to be crap.

of those 3 bikes id get the 2012 trace.

do you really like diamond back or is it just a convenience thing.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...afe_sprint.htm *pretty good deal*
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/fuji/absolute_3.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...fe_latte_x.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...alaxy_tour.htm